Lord Paul hails India as major IT power

Jalandhar, Feb 24 (UNI) Britain based business magnate Lord Swraj Paul today hailed India as a major IT power and said seven of the most important positions in IT and computerware sector, after Bill Gates, are held by people of Indian orgin.

Talking to reporters here today Lord Paul, who hails from Jalandhar, said India's most valued asset was its uncoming and educated youth power. He said more than 30 per cent of the key positions in the Silicon valley are also occupied by Indian people.

He said the country is required to pay more attention on strengthening of quality education infrastructure to cater to the increasing needs of the upcoming generation. He expressed dissatisfaction over the present budget allocation for education in the country.

He said the budgetary allocations for health and education should be increased appropriately. He also called upon NRIs to play their role in strengthening the educational system in this country.

The Caparo Group (UK) Chairman was in town to participate in the third annual convocation of the Dr B R Ambedkar Institute of Technology here today.

Later delivering his convocation address at another renue, Lord Paul said better educated India would be a leader in tomorrow's world and value of education is proving to be the greatest asset in India's endeavours, especially in the IT industry.

''Young Indians today have better role models and examples than many other nationalities,'' he added.

Some 25 million people of Indian origin live outside India and the total economic product of global NRI community was equal to the Gross Domestic Product of India every year,he said.

UNI SS HS LS KP1744